Levitated optomechanics: From fundamental physics to novel sensing and quantum science
Abstract
Levitated optomechanics: From fundamental physics to novel sensing andquantum scienceA. Nickolas Vamivakas, Assistant ProfessorInstitute of Optics, University of RochesterAbstractThe idea that light can lead to observable mechanical effects on material objects dates back to1619 when Johannes Kepler first suggested in De Cometis that the deflection of comet tails wasthe result of a radiant pressure from the sun. More recently, optical tweezers have revolutionizedbiophysics as well as provided a path to optically control and cool single quantum systems.Despite all the previous successes there is still an unexplored frontier - the full optical control ofsingle mesoscopic objects, such as dielectric nanoparticles. This is new territory lying at theborder of classical and quantum physics. The current proposal aims to advance the state-of-theartin nano-optomechanics by realizing a unique apparatus that can control levitated mechanicaloscillators and prepare them in quantum states. From a fundamental science perspective, if thisis widely successful a table-top modality will be realized that makes accessible fundamental andapplied quantum mechanics at the most macroscopic scale until now. The technology developedto address the previous will have the added benefit of realizing a unique approach to quantuminformation science as well as provide state-of-the-art instrumentation for position, navigationand timekeeping.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 03, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141712285
Entities
People
- Anthony Vamivakas
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Rochester